Becoming a school governor

Every school is managed by a Board of Governors. They work with the school principal to meet the educational needs of the school pupils in a secure and safe environment. Parents, teachers and people over 18 years old can apply to be a school governor.

School governors

The Board of Governors includes:

  • members representing the owners or former owners of the school
  • parents and teachers who are elected by the parents and teachers associated with the school
  • members of the general public with an interest in education appointed by the Department of Education or the Education Authority (EA) in your region

You have to complete an application form if you are a member of the public with an interest in a governor appointment. You don't need any special qualifications but you must be over 18 years old.

What school governors do

The role of the Board of Governors is to make sure that the school provides pupils with a good education. The Board of Governors:

  • sets the school's plans and policies
  • employs the school staff
  • manages how the school spends budget

To watch a video on how to become a school governor, go to:

Applying to be a school governor

For more information about school governors and how to apply, go to:

What a school governor does

A governor is appointed in a voluntary unpaid capacity for four years. They can resign at any time. The Board of Governors meets as often as its business requires, which may be once a month, depending on the size of the school.

The Board of Governors has members with different skills, knowledge and experience. The business of the school is progressed by the whole Board of Governors working together in the best interests of the school children.

Every governor is expected to contribute to the conduct of school business and every governor can expect to learn something new. Training will be provided.

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